Exercise assisting device

ABSTRACT

The exercise assisting device includes a support unit ( 1 ) configured to bear a user&#39;s body and a drive device ( 2 ). The support unit ( 1 ) includes a pair of foot supports ( 4 ) having a bearing member ( 40 ) configured to bear the user&#39;s left foot and right foot respectively. The drive device ( 2 ) is configured to drive the support unit ( 1 ) to move the user&#39;s body so as to vary a load applied to user&#39;s lower limb. The exercise assisting device further includes a tilting device (A). The tilting device (A) includes a load detection unit ( 5 ), a tilting mechanism unit ( 6 ), and a control unit ( 8 ). The load detection unit ( 5 ) includes two load sensors ( 50 ) provided to an outer portion ( 40   a ) and an inner portion ( 40   b ) of the bearing member ( 40 ) respectively. The tilting mechanism unit ( 6 ) is configured to tilt the bearing member ( 40 ) inward or outward with regard to the user&#39;s foot. The control unit ( 8 ) is configured to control the tilting mechanism unit ( 6 ) so as to reduce a difference between loads detected by two load sensors ( 50 ) respectively.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an exercise assisting device which gives an exercise effect to a user without the user's voluntary (active) exercise.

BACKGROUND ART

In the past, there have been proposed various types of exercise assisting devices which have a user make a passive exercise so as to give an exerciser effect to the user. The passive exercise is an exercise where the user's muscles are stretched without effort but with an aid of external forces being applied to the user. Therefore, these exercise assisting devices can give the exercise effect to the user in a like fashion as the user exercises voluntarily.

The exercise assisting devices are known to be classified into two types, one being configured to apply a force of bending joints of the user for stretching the muscles associated with the joints, and the other configured to apply a stimulus to a user's body to cause a nervous reflex by which associated muscles are forced to stretch.

Further, the exercise assisting devices are designed to require the user to take different postures depending upon the muscles to be stretched. One example of the exercise assisting devices is to simulate a walking by the user at a standing posture, as proposed in JP 2003-290386 A and JP10-55131 A.

JP 2003-290386 A discloses a training device which includes a pair of steps bearing thereon left and right feet of the user, and is configured to interlock the reciprocating movements of the left and right steps for providing a skating simulation exercise to the user. The device is arranged to shift the user's weight along forward/rearward direction and also along lateral direction such that the user makes the use of one's nervous reflex to keep a balance with an effect of stretching the muscles. The steps are driven by a driving mechanism to move so that the user can enjoy the passive exercise simply by placing one's feet on the steps and without making an effort or active movement. JP 10-55131 A discloses a walk experience device is designed for walking training or virtual-reality exercise, and includes a pair of left and right foot plates driven by a horizontal driving unit.

The device of JP 2003-290386 A or JP 10-55131 A is widely utilized by a user suffering from such as knee pains when training one's lower limb. By the way, knee osteoarthritis is known to be a main cause of the knee pains. The knee osteoarthritis may develop as a consequence of that distorted skeleton of user's lower limbs such as bow-legs and knock-knees is kept over a prolonged period, i.e., a load axis (passing through the hip joint and ankle joint) is being long kept out of a knee center. Therefore, it is important to correct skeletal deformity of the lower limbs for the purpose of preventing the knee pains. However, the device of JP 2003-290386 A or JP 10-55131 A is not intended to correct the skeletal deformity of the lower limbs.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

In view of above insufficiency, the purpose of the present invention has been accomplished to provide an exercise assisting device capable of correcting a skeletal deformity of a lower limb.

The exercise assisting device in accordance with the present invention includes a support unit configured to bear a user's body and a drive device. The support unit includes a pair of foot supports having a bearing member configured to bear the user's left foot and right foot respectively. The drive device is configured to drive the support unit to move the user's body so as to vary a load applied to user's lower limb. The exercise assisting device further includes a tilting device. The tilting device is configured to tilt at least one part of the bearing member so as to reduce a difference between a load applied to an outer portion of the bearing member corresponding to an outer part of user's foot and a load applied to an inner portion of the bearing member corresponding to an inner part of the user's foot.

According to this invention, at least one part of the bearing member is tilted so as to reduce the difference between the load applied to the outer portion of the bearing member and the load applied to the inner portion of the bearing member. Therefore, while the load applied to the outer portion of the bearing member exceeds the load applied to the inner portion of the bearing member (that is, the user has bow legs), the load applied to the inner part of the lower limb is increased to a greater extent than in a condition where the user's foot has its width direction kept parallel to a horizontal plane. Accordingly, it is possible to intensively train the inner part of muscles of the lower limb. Meanwhile, while the load applied to the inner portion of the bearing member exceeds the load applied to the outer portion of the bearing member (that is, the user has knock knees), the load applied to the outer part of the lower limb is increased to a greater extent than in a condition where the user's foot has its width direction kept parallel to the horizontal plane. Accordingly, it is possible to intensively train the outer part of the muscles of the lower limb. Thus, it is possible to improve a balance (capacity imbalance) between the outer part and the inner part of the muscles of the lower limb, even if the user has bow legs or knock knees. As a result, it is possible to remedy deformed bones of the lower limb (that is, it is possible to recover a skeletal alignment of the lower limb). Further, the user can have the exercise while balancing the load applied to the lower limb (i.e., equalizing the loads applied to the outer and inner parts of the lower limb), thereby reducing the load acting on the knee joint. Accordingly, the user can enjoy a comfortable passive exercise (training) while being alleviated of the knee pain, which means that even the user suffering from knee pains during one's walking can make the passive exercise.

In a preferable embodiment, the tilting device includes a load detection unit provided to the foot support so as to detect a load applied to the bearing member, and a tilting mechanism unit configured to tilt at least one part of the bearing member inward or outward with regard to the user's foot. The tilting device further includes a control unit configured to control the tilting mechanism unit based on the load detected by the load detection unit.

According to this embodiment, at least one part of the bearing member is tilted inward or outward with regard to the user's foot based on the load detected by the load detection unit. Therefore, it is possible to adjust a tilt of the bearing member to be a tilt suitable for the user.

In a more preferable embodiment, the load detection unit includes two load sensors provided to the outer portion and the inner portion of the bearing member respectively. The control unit is configured to control the tilting mechanism unit so as to reduce a difference between loads respectively detected by the two load sensors.

According to this embodiment, since the load applied to the outer portion of the bearing member and load applied to the inner portion of the bearing member are detected, it is possible to estimate a deformation of the user's lower limb precisely. Therefore, it is possible to adjust a tilt of the bearing member to be a tilt suitable for the user.

In a more preferable embodiment, the load detection unit includes a load sensor provided to either the outer portion or the inner portion of the bearing member. The control unit is configured to make a comparison of a load detected by the load sensor with a predetermined threshold, and determine the difference between the load applied to the outer portion of the bearing member and the load applied to the inner portion of the bearing member based on the resultant comparison.

According to this embodiment, the number of the load sensor of the load detection unit can be reduced to one. Therefore, it is possible to reduce a production cost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a principle part of an exercise assisting device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing the principle part of the above exercise assisting device;

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the above exercise assisting device;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the above exercise assisting device;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of an exercise assisting device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a principle part of the above exercise assisting device of another configuration;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a principle part of the above exercise assisting device of another configuration;

FIG. 7A is a side view showing the above exercise assisting device of another configuration; and

FIG. 7B is a top view showing the same.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First Embodiment

There is an exercise assisting device in accordance with the first embodiment adapted in use to be placed on a floor. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the exercise assisting device includes a support unit 1 configured to bear a body of a user M (see FIG. 3), a drive device 2, and a housing 3. The support unit 1 includes a pair of foot supports 4 respectively configured to bear the left foot and right foot of the user M. The drive device 2 is configured to move the foot supports 4 to move the body of the user M with one's feet resting on the foot supports 4 respectively so as to vary a load applied to a lower limb of the user M. The support unit 1 and drive device 2 are housed in the housing 3.

The housing 3 includes a base plate 30 used as a carrier to be placed on a floor, and designed to have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The pair of the foot supports 4 and drive device 2 are disposed on the base plate 30. The base plate 30 in the present embodiment is configured to have the rectangular parallelepiped shape, although not limited to a peripheral shape. For a simplified explanation made hereinafter, the base plate 30 is illustrated to have a top surface parallel to the floor when it is placed on the floor. Accordingly, a vertical dimension in FIG. 1B is equal to a vertical dimension of the exercise assisting device to be in use.

An upper plate 31 is disposed above the base plate 30, and is coupled thereto to constitute a housing 3. It is noted that an arrow X in FIG. 2 denotes a forward direction of the housing 3. The upper plate 31 is not shown in FIG. 2.

The upper plate 31 is formed with two openings 31 a extending in a thickness direction of the upper plate 31 to expose the foot supports 4, respectively. The openings 31 a are each formed into a rectangular shape. The openings 31 a have their longitudinal center lines extending in a crossing relation with respect to the back-and-forth direction of the housing 3 such that the distance between the center lines is greater at the front ends of the openings 31 a than at the rear ends thereof.

Each of the foot supports 4 has a bearing member 40 that is a footrest where the user M rests one's foot. In order to distinguish the foot supports 4, as necessary, the foot support 4 for bearing the left foot of the user M is represented as the left foot support 4A, and the foot support 4 for bearing the right foot of the user M is represented as the right foot support 4B. The foot supports 4 are designed in a similar manner. Therefore, an explanation is made to the left foot support 4A with reference to FIG. 1B, and an explanation concerning the right foot support 4B is omitted.

The left foot support 4A has the bearing member 40 where the user M rests one's left foot. The bearing member 40 is formed into a rectangular plate to have such dimensions as to bear the entire foot of the user M. The bearing member 40 has a bearing surface (upper surface in FIG. 1B) where the user M rests ones' foot and is made of a material or shaped to have a large coefficient of friction.

There is a load detection unit 5 provided to the bearing member 40. The load detection unit 5 is configured to detect a load applied to the bearing member 40 and has two load sensors 50. One load sensor 50 (represented by a reference number 50A, as necessary) is provided to an outer portion (left portion in FIG. 1B) 40 a of the bearing member 40 corresponding to an outer part of user's foot. The other load sensor 50 (represented by a reference number 50B, as necessary) is provided to an inner portion (right portion in FIG. 1B) 40 b of the bearing member 40 corresponding to an inner part of the user's foot. That is, the load detection unit 5 includes the load sensor 50A configured to detect a load applied to the outer portion 40 a and load sensor 50B configured to detect a load applied to the inner portion 40 b. It is noted that a sensor made of semiconductors is adopted as the load sensor 50. Further, a load cell utilizing a strain gauge can be adopted as the load sensor 50.

There is a basement 41 disposed below the bearing member 40 (between the base plate 30 and the bearing member 40) and rotatively coupled to the bearing member 40. The basement 41 has an opposite surface (upper surface, in FIG. 1B) opposite to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40, and the opposite surface is provided with a side wall portion 42. The side wall portion 42 is provided at its apex with a tilting axle 43 to be rotatively connected to the bearing member 40. The inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40 is provided at its lower surface (back surface) with a tilting bearing 44 having an axle hole 44 a for the tilting axle 43. The tilting axle 43 is formed such that its central axis extends along a forward/rearward direction of the foot of the user M. To rotate the bearing member 40 around the tilting axle 43 can tilt the bearing member outward (leftward, in FIG. 1B) or inward (rightward, in FIG. 1B) with regard to the foot of the user M. The bearing surface of the bearing member 40 where the user M rests one's left foot can be tilted as the bearing member 40 is tilted.

By the way, there is a tilt adjusting unit 45 provided to the foot support 4. The tilt adjusting unit 45 is configured to adjust a tilt of the bearing member 40. The tilt adjusting unit 45 includes a rack 45 a provided to a lower surface of the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40, and further includes a gear 45 b provided to the basement 41. The gear 45 b meshes with the rack 45 a. The tilt adjusting unit 45 further includes an adjusting motor 45 c being a stepping motor (pulse motor) configured to rotate the gear 45 b clockwise or counterclockwise. The basement 41 has a through hole for the rack 45 a extending in a thickness direction thereof.

The tilt adjusting unit 45 drives the adjusting motor 45 c to rotate the gear 45 b clockwise or counterclockwise. The rack 45 a moves upward or downward in relative to the gear 45 b as the gear 45 b rotates or counter rotates. A movement of the rack 45 a varies a distance between the bearing member 40 and the basement 41 is varied in an opposite end (the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40) in a width direction of the foot support 4. Therefore, the tilt of the bearing member 40 varies. It is noted that the basement 41, side wall portion 42, tilting axle 43, tilting bearing 44, and tilt adjusting unit 45 are not shown in FIG. 2.

As described in the above, the left foot support 4A is provided with the load detection unit 5 configured to detect the load applied to the bearing member 40 (that is, the load applied by the left foot of the user M) and the tilting mechanism unit 6 configured to tilt the bearing member 40 inward or outward with regard to the foot (left foot). Likewise, the right foot support 4B is provided with the load detection unit 5 configured to detect the load applied to the bearing member 40 (that is, the load applied by the user M's right foot) and the tilting mechanism unit 6 configured to tilt the bearing member 40 inward or outward with regard to the foot (right foot). In the following explanation, in order to distinguish the load detection unit 5 and tilting mechanism unit 6 of the left foot support 4A from the load detection unit 5 and tilting mechanism unit 6 of the right foot support 4B respectively, a suffix “A” is attached to the reference number of each of the load detection unit 5 and tilting mechanism unit 6 of the left foot support 4A, and a suffix “B” is attached to the reference number of each of the load detection unit 5 and tilting mechanism unit 6 of the right foot support 4B, as necessary.

Further, there is a pair of bearings 46 integrally formed on the lower surface of the basement 41. The bearings 46 are apart from each other in the width direction of the bearing member 40. There is a bearing plate 47 of U-shaped cross section rotatively coupled to the basement 41 to have its open end oriented upwardly. An axle 48 penetrating through the legs 47 a of the bearing plate 47 and the bearings 46 is used for a rotative coupling of the bearing member 47. In this manner, the axle 46 is located along a width direction of the bearing member 40. The bearing member 40 can rotate around the axle 48 such that both ends thereof in its longitudinal direction move upwardly or downwardly relative to the bearing plate 47. It is noted that the bearing 46, bearing plate 47, and axle 48 are not shown in FIG. 1B.

By the way, the bearing plate 47 is attached to an upper surface of a footrest cover (not shown). The footrest cover is slidably attached to the base plate 30. A truck 70 of U-shaped cross section is fixed to a bottom of the footrest cover to have its open end oriented downwardly.

The truck 70 is provided on each exterior face with two wheels 71. The base plate 30 is formed with two fixed rails 72 for each of the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B. The truck 70 is placed on the rails 72 with the wheels 71 roll in rail grooves 72 a in an upper surface of the rails 72. A derailment prevention plate (not shown) is provided on the upper surface of the rail 72 for preventing the wheels 71 from running off the rail grooves 72 a.

By the way, the rails 72 extend in a direction different from a lengthwise direction of the openings 31 a in the housing 3. As described in the above, the openings 31 a have their individual longitudinal center lines crossed with each other so as to be spaced by a larger distance at the forward ends than at the rearward ends. Also, the rails 72 have their individual longitudinal directions crossed with each other in the like manner.

However, the rails 72 are inclined in relation to the forward/rearward direction of the housing 3 at a large angle than the openings 31 a. For example, when the openings 31 a have their lengths inclined relative to the forward/rearward direction of the housing 3 at an angle of 15°, the rails 72 have its length inclined at an angle of 45°. In short, the rails 72 are oriented to such a direction as to prevent an increase of shearing force acting on the knee joints while the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B are moved along the rails 72 in a condition that the user's feet are placed thereon with each center line of the feet aligned with each of the length of the openings 31 a. Further, each of the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B is located such that the longitudinal direction of each of the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B is inclined, for example, at an angle of 9° relative to the forward/rearward direction (the direction indicated by the arrow X). Therefore, the user can take a natural posture without suffering from twisted feet when standing on the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B. Although the present embodiment illustrates a preferred mode that the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B are moved along the individual travel paths of shifting their positions both in the forward/rearward direction and the lateral direction, it is possible to determine the orientation of the rails 72 such that the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B are moved either in the forward/rearward direction or the lateral direction.

With the above arrangement, the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B are allowed to reciprocate respectively along the length of the rails 72. Because of that the rails 72 have their length crossed respectively with the lengthwise center lines of the openings 31 a, the bearing member 40 is allowed to move within the openings 31 a along the direction crossing with the lengthwise direction of the openings 31 a. In short, the truck 70, wheels 71, and rails 72 constitute a guide 7 restricting the travel path of each of the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B. It is noted that FIG. 1B shows the simplified guide 7.

The drive device 2 is provided in order to move the pair of foot supports 4 respectively. The drive device 2 includes a drive motor 20, which is a rotary motor, as a driving source generating a rotary driving force to move the pair of foot supports 4. The drive device 2 further includes a router 21 and reciprocators 22. The router 21 is configured to transmit the rotary driving force of the motor 20 to the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B. The reciprocators 22 in configured to use the driving force to reciprocate the trucks 70 respectively along the rails 72. Although the present embodiment is configured to divide the driving force at the router 21 and transmit the divided driving force to the reciprocators 22, it is equally possible to generate the reciprocating driving force at the reciprocator 22 and divide the same at the router 21.

The router 21 includes a worm (first gear) 21 a and a pair of worm wheels (second gears) 21 b. The worm 21 a is coupled to an output shaft 20 a of the driving motor 20. Each of the worm wheels 21 b meshes with the worm 21 a. The worm 21 a and the two worm wheels 21 b are held within a gearbox (not shown) fixed to the base plate 30. A pair of bearings (not shown) is provided inside the gear box. The pair of bearings is configured to bear the opposite longitudinal ends of the worm 21 a.

Extending through the worm wheel 21 b is a rotary shaft 21 c which is housed in the gear box. The rotary shaft 21 c is coupled to the worm wheel 21 b to be driven thereby to rotate. The rotary shaft 21 c is formed at its upper end with a coupling section 21 d with non-circular cross-section (rectangular one in the illustrated instance),

The reciprocator 22 includes a crank plate 22 a, a crank shaft 22 b, and a crank rod 22 c. The crank plate 22 a is coupled at its one end to the coupling section 21 d of the rotary shaft 21 c. The crank rod 22 c is coupled to the crank plate 22 a by means of the crank shaft 22 b. The crank shaft 22 b has its one end fixed to the crank plate 22 a and has the other end received in a bearing 22 d carried on one end of the crank rod 22 c. That is, the crank rod 22 c has its one end rotatively coupled to the crank plate 22 b, while the other end of the crank rod 22 c is coupled to the truck 70 by means of an axle 22 e so as to be rotatively coupled thereto.

As is apparent from the above, the crank rod 22 c functions as a motion converter to translate the rotary motion of the worm wheel 21 b into a reciprocatory motion of the truck 70. The crank rod 22 c is provided for each of the worm wheels 21 b. The trucks 70 are provided respectively to the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B. Therefore, the crank rods 22 c function as the individual motion converters for translating the rotary motion of the worm wheels 21 b into the reciprocating motions of the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B.

As described in the above, the truck 70 has its travel path restricted by the wheels 71 and the rails 72. Thus, the truck 70 reciprocates along the length of the rails 72 as the worm wheel 21 b rotates. That is, the rotation of the motor 20 is transmitted to the crank plate 22 b by way of the worm 21 a and the worm wheel 21 b, so that the crank rod 22 c coupled to the crank plate 22 b causes the truck 70 to reciprocate linearly along the rails 72. Whereby, the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B are driven to reciprocate respectively along the length of the rails 72.

In the present embodiment, the worm 21 a and the two worm wheels 21 b are responsible for routing the driving force into two channels respectively for driving the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B so that the drive unit 2 drives the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B in a manner linked to each other. The worm wheels 21 b are engaged with the worm 21 a at different portions spaced apart by 180° such that the right foot support 4B comes to the forward end of its movable range when the left foot support 4A comes to the rear end of its movable range. As the left foot support 4 a comes to the right end of its movable range when it comes to the rear end of the movable range, and the right foot support 4B comes to the right end of its movable range when it comes to the forward end of the movable range, the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B shift in the same direction along the lateral direction.

As apparent from the above, it is possible to give a desired phase difference of the movement between the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B by varying positions of engaging the worm wheels 21 b with the worm 21 a. When the device is used by the user at the standing posture with one's feet placed on the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B, the phase difference of 180° is effective to minimize the shifting of the user's weight in the forward/rearward direction, enabling the exercise even by the user suffering from lowered balancing capability. Alternatively, when no phase difference is given, the device necessitates the shifting movement of the user's weight in the forward/rearward direction, thereby developing an exercise not only for the leg muscles but also for lower back muscles of the user maintaining the balancing capability.

By the way, each of the foot supports 4 is allowed to rotate around the axle 48. Therefore, it is possible to vary the height positions of the forward end as well as the rearward end of the bearing member 40. Thus, the height positions of the toe and the heel of the foot placed on the bearing member 40 can be varied for enabling the plantarflexion and dorsiflexion of the ankle joint. The present embodiment adopts the following structure in order to link the swinging movement of the bearing member 40 about the axle 48 with the reciprocating movement thereof along the rail 72. That is, the base plate 30 is provided at a portion along the travel path of the bearing member 40 with a guide surface (not shown) including an inclination. In this connection, the basement 41 is provided on its bottom with a follower projection (not shown) which comes into engagement with the guide surface. The follower projection has at its top a roller which comes into rolling contact with the guide surface. Although the follower projection has the roller, it is suffice that the follower projection is formed from a material and/or shaped into a configuration to have a tip of small coefficient of friction.

In this case, the follower projection, which is arranged to come into rolling contact with the guide surface, rides up and down the inclination of the guide surface while each of the foot supports 4 is driven by the drive motor 20 to reciprocates, thereby swinging the basement 41 about the axle 48 to vary tilt angles of the bearing member 40 and basement 41 relative to the base plate 30, and therefore enabling the plantarflexion and dorsiflexion at the ankle joint.

In the exercise assisting device of the present embodiment, the control unit 8 is configured to perform a control of the drive device 2 (an operation control of the drive motor 20 of the drive device 2) as well as a control of the tilting mechanism unit 6 (an operation control of the adjusting motor 45 c of the tilting mechanism unit 6).

The control unit 8 is, for example, a micro computer. The control unit 8 controls an electrical power supplied to the drive motor 20 or adjusting motor 45 c from a power source not shown, thereby activating the drive motor 20, deactivating the drive motor 20, or adjusting the number of rotations of the drive motor 20. Further, the control unit 8 is configured to activate the drive motor 20 when a switch (not shown) provided on the housing 3 is turned on, and to deactivate the drive motor 20 when the switch is turned off.

The control unit 8 further is configured to supply pulse power to the adjusting motor 45 c of the tilting mechanism unit 6 from the power source to adjust the tilt of the bearing member 40.

The control unit 8 adjusts the tilt of the bearing member 40 with reference to detection result of the respective load detection units 5. The control unit 8 controls the tilting mechanism unit 6, that is, tilts the bearing member 40 so as to reduce a difference between loads detected by two load sensors 50A and 50B of the load detection unit 5 respectively. Particularly, in the present embodiment, the control unit 8 controls the tilting mechanism unit 6 such that the difference between the loads detected by two load sensors 50A and 50B respectively becomes around 0 (that is, the load detected by the load sensor 50A becomes equal to the load detected by the load sensor 50B).

Therefore, in the exercise assisting device of the present embodiment, the load detection unit 5 including the two load sensors 50, tilting mechanism unit 6, and control unit 8 constitute a tilting device A configured to tilt the bearing member 40 so as to reduce a difference between the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 and the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40.

Next, an explanation is made to an operation of the exercise assisting device of the present embodiment. It is assumed that, in an initial condition, the switch is kept turned off and the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B are located at predetermined initial positions respectively. At the initial positions, the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B are located at the same level along the forward/rearward direction. That is, the left and right foot supports 4 a and 4B lie on a line extending along the lateral direction when they are at the initial positions. Accordingly, when the user stands on the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B of the initial positions, a vertical line depending from the weight center of the user passes through a center between the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B.

As described in the above, the tilt of the bearing member 40 is adjusted such that the load detected by the load sensor 50A becomes equal to the load detected by the load sensor 50B. Therefore, at the initial condition, the bearing surface of the bearing member 40 is almost kept parallel to a horizontal plane unless the user M rests one's foot on the foot support 4.

When the user M rests one's foot on the foot support 4, a following operation is performed.

For example, when the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 exceeds the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40 (that is, the user M has bow legs as shown in FIG. 3B), the bearing member 40 is tilted so as to raise the outer portion 40 a relative to the inner portion 40 b (that is, the bearing member 40 is tilted inward) by the tilting device A (see FIG. 3B). Further, as described in the above, the bearing member 40 is caused to tilt continuously until the difference between the loads respectively detected by two load sensors 50A and 50B becomes zero. While the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 is raised to a higher position than the inner portion 40 b, the load applied to the inner part of the lower limb is increased to a greater extent than in a condition where the user's foot has its width direction kept parallel to the horizontal plane (i.e., the bearing surface of the bearing member 40 lies in the horizontal plane). Accordingly, it is possible to intensively train the inner part of the muscles of the lower limb. It is not required that the difference between the loads is kept 0 in a strict sense. It is sufficient that the difference between the loads is kept around 0.

Meanwhile, when the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40 exceeds the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 (that is, the user M has knock knees), the bearing member 40 is tilted so as to raise the inner portion 40 b relative to the outer portion 40 a (that is, the bearing member 40 is tilted outward) by the tilting device A. Further, as described in the above, the bearing member 40 is kept being tilted until the difference between the loads detected by two load sensors 50A and 50B respectively becomes zero. While the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40 is raised relative to the outer portion 40 a, the load applied to the inner part of the lower limb is increased by comparison with the condition where the foot breadth direction is kept parallel to the horizontal direction (the bearing surface of the bearing member 40 is kept parallel to the horizontal plane). Accordingly, it is possible to intensively train the inner part of the muscles of the lower limb. It is not required that the difference between the loads is kept 0 in a strict sense. It is sufficient that the difference between the loads is kept around 0.

When the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40 is equal to the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 (that is, the user M has neither bow legs nor knock knees), the tilting device A does not tilt the bearing member 40.

It is sufficient that the switch is turned on in order to operate the exercise assisting device from the initial condition. When the switch is turned on, the control unit 8 supplies an electrical power to the drive motor 20 to activate the drive motor 20. While the drive motor 20 is activated, the drive motor 20 can drive the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B to move in the forward/rearward direction and at the same time to move in the lateral direction in the linked manner to each other. The left and right foot supports 4A and 4B are driven to reciprocate linearly along the rails 72, respectively, so as to move in directions different from the lengthwise directions of the feet. For example, the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B move in the directions inclined at an angle of 45° relative to the forward/rearward direction of the housing 3, over the travel distance of 20 mm, for example.

Further, the bearing member 40 and basement 41 is driven to swing about the axle 48 as each of the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B reciprocates along the rail 72. While the bearing member 40 is moving, the follower projection rides up and down the inclination of the guide surface to cause the dorsiflexion of the ankle joint when each of the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B comes to its forward end position, and the plantarflexion when it comes to its rearward end position. The axle 48 is positioned nearer to the heel within the length of the foot bottom. Each of the dorsiflexion and plantarflexion is realized at the tilt angle of about 10° relative to a reference plane defined by the upper surface of the base plate 30. The dorsiflexion and the plantarflexion can be made respectively at the rearward end position and the forward end position of each of the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B in opposite relation to the above. Also, the tilt angle relative to the reference plane can be selected differently from the above mentioned angle. Such modified operation can be easily realized by an appropriate shaped guide surface.

The exercise assisting device of the present embodiment has the user M make the passive exercise by means of moving the left and right foot supports 4A and 48 as described in the above.

As described in the above, according to the exercise assisting device of the present embodiment, the bearing member 40 is tilted so as to reduce the difference between the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 and the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40. Therefore, while the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 exceeds the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40 (that is, the user has bow legs), the load applied to the inner part of the lower limb is increased to a greater extent than in a condition where the user's foot has its width direction kept parallel to a horizontal plane. Accordingly, it is possible to intensively train the inner part of muscles of the lower limb. Meanwhile, while the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40 exceeds the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 (that is, the user has knock knees), the load applied to the outer part of the lower limb is increased to a greater extent than in a condition where the user's foot has its width direction kept parallel to the horizontal plane. Accordingly, it is possible to intensively train the outer part of the muscles of the lower limb. Thus, it is possible to improve a balance (capacity imbalance) between the outer part and the inner part of the muscles of the lower limb, even if the user has bow legs or knock knees. As a result, it is possible to remedy deformed bones of the lower limb (that is, it is possible to recover a skeletal alignment of the lower limb). Further, the user can enjoy a comfortable passive exercise (training) while being alleviated of the knee pain, which means that even the user suffering from knee pains during one's walking can make the passive exercise.

Further, since the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 and load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40 are detected, it is possible to estimate a deformation of the user's lower limb precisely. The control unit is configured to control the tilting mechanism unit 6 so as to reduce the difference between loads detected by the two load sensors 50A and 50B respectively, thereby tilting the bearing member 40 inward or outward. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the tilt of the bearing member 40 to be a tilt suitable for the user M.

It is noted that a configuration of the tilting mechanism unit 6 is not limited to the above instance. For example, a conventional configuration such as a set of a rotary motor and feed screw, a set of a rotary motor and belt, a set of a rotary motor and pantograph mechanism, a linear movement mechanism utilizing a solenoid coil, and a liner movement mechanism utilizing an air-bag can be adopted as the configuration of the tilting mechanism unit 6.

In the above embodiment, the router 21 is configured to have the worm 21 a and the worm wheels 21 b for realizing the power transmission from the output shaft 20 a of the drive motor 20 to the rotary shaft 21 c of the worm wheel 21 b with speed reduction. However, a belt can be utilized to transmit the power from the output shaft 20 a of the drive motor 20 to the rotary shaft 21 c perpendicular to the output shaft 20 a. In this instance, instead of the worm wheel 21 b, a pulley is utilized to receive the belt while dispensing with the worm 21 a.

In the above embodiment, the drive motor 20 has its output shaft 20 a extending along the upper surface of the base plate 30. However, when the output shaft 20 a is required to extend perpendicular to the upper surface of the base plate 30, spur gearing is adopted to achieve the transmission and routing of the rotary power, instead the combination of the worm 21 a and the worm wheels 21 b. In this instance, pulleys and a belt may be used in place of the spur gearing for transmission of the rotary power between the pulleys.

Instead of using the crank plate 22 a and the crank rod 22 c, the reciprocator 22 may be composed of a grooved cam driven to rotate by the drive motor 20 and a cam follower engaged in a groove of the cam. In this instance, the grooved cam can be used instead of the worm wheel 21 b and be arranged to have its rotation axis parallel to the output shaft 20 a of the drive motor 20 for power transmission from the output shaft 20 a to the grooved cam through a pinion.

Further, when using only one grooved cam for power transmission from the output shaft 20 a of the drive motor 20 to the groove cam, two cam followers can be used for engagement respectively with the cam grooves of the cams such that the grooved cam and the cam followers are cooperative to function as the router 21 as well as the reciprocators 22.

Although the illustrated embodiment has the base plate 30 formed with the guide surface and the basement 41 formed with the follower projection, the same operation can be achieved with a configuration in which the basement 41 is provided with the guide surface and the base plate 30 is provided with the follower projection.

Since the exercise assisting device of the present embodiment includes the load detection unit 5, the exercise assisting device sets automatically the tilt of the bearing member 40. However, the load detection unit 5 is optional. That is, the exercise assisting device may be configured to enable the user to adjust manually the tilt of the bearing member 40 based on one's foot condition (e.g. bow legs or knock knees). In this instance, it is sufficient that an operation unit (not shown) for operating the tilting mechanism unit 6 is provided to the housing 3.

Although the exercise assisting device of the present embodiment is configured to be adapted in use to be placed on a floor, the exercise assisting device can be used with its portion embedded in the floor. A selection is made as to whether the exercise assisting device is placed at a fixed position or movably supported. These respects can be applied to the exercise assisting device of a below mentioned second embodiment.

Second Embodiment

The exercise assisting device of the present embodiment is different in the configuration of the tilting device A from the exercise assisting device of the first embodiment. Other components of the exercise assisting device of the present embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore the other components are designated by like reference numerals and dispensed with duplicate explanations.

In the tilting device A of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the load detection unit 5 includes the load sensor 50 configured to detect the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40. In short, unlike the load detection unit 5 of the first embodiment, the load detection unit 5 of the present embodiment includes only one load sensor 50.

The control unit 8 of the present embodiment is configured to control the tilting mechanism unit 6 based on the load detected by the one load sensor 50. The control unit 8 is configured to make a comparison of the load detected by the load sensor 50 with a predetermined threshold, and determine the difference between the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 and the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40 based on the resultant comparison. The predetermined threshold is, for example, the load applied to the inner portion 40 b in a condition where the user M applies the same load to the outer portion 40 a and inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40. In this instance, the difference between the load applied to the outer portion 40 a and the load applied to the inner portion 40 b is determined by a difference between the predetermined threshold and the load detected by the load sensor 50. It is noted that the predetermined threshold can be estimated from body weight of the user M. It is sufficient that the user M inputs own body weight to the exercise assisting device in preparation to use the exercise assisting device. Moreover, the predetermined threshold can be estimated from the loads detected by the load sensors of the load detection unit 5 of the respective foot supports 4.

The control unit 8 has not only the predetermined threshold but also a judgment value as a value to be compared with the load detected by the load sensor 50. The judgment value is a value used for judging whether or not the user M rests one's foot on the foot support 4. The control unit 8 is configured to judge that the user M does not rest one's foot on the foot support 4 when the load detected by the load sensor 50 is less than the judgment value. In this case, the control unit 8 controls the tilting mechanism unit 6 such that the bearing surface of the bearing member 40 of each of the foot supports 4 is kept parallel to the horizontal plane.

The control unit 8 of the present embodiment supplies the pulse power to the adjusting motor 45 c of the tilting mechanism unit 6 from the power source to adjust the tilt of the bearing member 40, thereby reducing the difference between the load applied to the outer portion 40 a and the load applied to the inner portion 40 b. As described in the above, in the case where the threshold is the load applied to the inner portion 40 b in a condition where the user M applies the same load to the outer portion 40 a and inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40, the control unit 8 inclines the bearing member 40 such that the load detected by the load sensor 50 becomes equal to the threshold.

In the exercise assisting device of the present embodiment, the load detection unit 5, tilting mechanism unit 6, and control unit 8 constitute the tilting device A.

Next, an explanation is made to an operation of the exercise assisting device of the present embodiment.

In the initial condition, the load detected by the load sensor 50 is less than the judgment value unless the user M rests one's foot on the foot support 4. The control unit 8 controls the tilting mechanism unit 6 such that the bearing surface of the bearing member 40 is kept parallel to the horizontal plane (see FIG. 4A).

A following operation is performed when the user M rests one's foot on the foot support 4.

For example, when the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 exceeds the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40, the bearing member 40 is inclined so as to raise the outer portion 40 a to a higher position than the inner portion 40 b (that is, the bearing member 40 is inclined inward) by the tilting device A (see FIG. 4B). As described in the above, the bearing member 40 is caused to tilt continuously until the difference between the threshold and the load detected by the load sensor 50 becomes zero While the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 is raised to a higher position than the inner portion 40 b, the load applied to the inner part of the lower limb is increased by a greater extent than in the condition where the user's foot has its width direction kept parallel to the horizontal plane (i.e., the bearing surface of the bearing member 40 lies horizontally). Accordingly, it is possible to intensively train the inner part of the muscles of the lower limbs.

Meanwhile, when the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40 exceeds the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40, the bearing member 40 is inclined so as to raise the inner portion 40 b to a higher position than the outer portion 40 a (that is, the bearing member 40 is tilted outward) by the tilting device A (see FIG. 4C). As described in the above, the bearing member 40 is caused to tilt continuously until the difference between the threshold and the load detected by the load sensor 50 becomes zero. While the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40 is raised to a higher position than the outer portion 40 a, the load applied to the inner part of the lower limb is increased to a greater extent than in the condition where the user's foot has its width direction kept parallel to a horizontal plane (i.e., the bearing surface of the bearing member 40 is kept parallel to the horizontal plane). Accordingly, it is possible to intensively train the inner part of the muscles of the lower limb.

When the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40 is equal to the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40, the tilting device A does not incline the bearing member 40 (see FIG. 4A).

The user M can make the aforementioned passive exercise by turning on the switch after resting one's feet respectively on the foot supports 4.

According to the aforementioned exercise assisting device of the present embodiment, like the exercise assisting device of the first embodiment, the bearing member 40 is tilted so as to reduce the difference between the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 and the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40. Therefore, it is possible to intensively train the inner part of muscles of the lower limb when the user has bow legs. Further, it is possible to intensively train the outer part of muscles of the lower limb when the user has knock knees. Thus, it is possible to improve balancing or remedy capacity imbalance between the outer and inner parts of the muscles of the lower limb, even if the user has bow legs or knock knees. As a result, it is possible to remedy the deformed bones of the lower limb (that is, it is possible to recover the skeletal alignment of the lower limb). Further, the user can enjoy a comfortable passive exercise (training) while being alleviated of the knee pain, which means that even the user suffering from knee pains during one's walking can make the passive exercise.

Further, the bearing member 40 is inclined inward or outward with regard to the user's foot based on the load detected by the load sensor 50 of the load detection unit 5. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the tilt of the bearing member 40 to be a tilt suitable for the user. Notably, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce a production cost because of that the number of the load sensor 50 of the load detection unit 5 can be reduced to one.

In the above mentioned instance, although the load sensor 50 is configured to detect the load applied to the inner portion 40 b, the load sensor 50 may be configured to detect the load applied to the outer portion 40 a. In this instance, the predetermined threshold can be the load applied to the outer portion 40 a in a condition where the user M applies the same load to the outer portion 40 a and inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40. Although the control unit 8 of the above mentioned instance is configured to control the tilting mechanism unit 6 to incline the bearing member such that the load detected by the load sensor 50 becomes equal to the threshold, the control unit 8 of another instance is configured to vary a tilt angle of the bearing member 40 in a stepwise fashion. For example, the control unit 8 inclines the bearing member 40 outward at a predetermined angle relative to the horizontal plane when the load detected by the load sensor 50 is not less than a first threshold. The control unit 8 inclines the bearing member 40 inward at a predetermined angle relative to the horizontal plane when the load detected by the load sensor 50 is not greater than a second threshold. The control unit 8 keeps the bearing member 40 horizontal when the load detected by the load sensor 50 exceeds the second threshold and is less than the first threshold.

By the way, FIGS. 5A to 5C illustrates the exercise assisting device of another embodiment of the present invention. The exercise assisting device shown in FIG. 5 is different in the configuration of the foot support 4 from the exercise assisting device shown in FIG. 4 and the exercise assisting device of the first embodiment. Other components of the exercise assisting device shown in FIG. 5 are the same as those of the exercise assisting device shown in FIG. 4 and the exercise assisting device of the first embodiment. Therefore the other components are designated by like reference numerals and dispensed with duplicate explanations.

The foot support 4 shown in FIG. 5 is provided with a pair of air bags (air cells) 60 configured to define a distance between the bearing member 40 and the basement 41. The air bags 60 are the same in form. One air bag 60 is located so as to bear the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40, and another air bag 60 is located so as to bear the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40. Therefore, the bearing member 40 is inclined when one air bag 60 expands or shrinks relative to another air bag 60. In short, the exercise assisting device shown in FIG. 5 has the tilting mechanism unit 6 composed of the pair of air bags 60. Moreover, the housing 3 is configured to house an air pump (not shown) configured to supply air to each of the air bags 60. Further, the basement 41 is provided at opposite ends in its width direction with a regulation member 41 b. The regulation member 41 b is configured to define a range within which the bearing member 40 is allowed to tilt.

The air bag 60 is provided with a valve member (not shown). The valve member is configured to close an exhaust port 60 a of the air bag 60 until pressure inside the air bag 60 exceeds a predetermined value. The predetermined value is selected to enable the air pump to supply sufficient air to the air bag 60 such that the bearing surface of the bearing member 40 of the foot support 4 is kept parallel to the horizontal plane. In other words, the predetermined value is a value where the air bag 60 which bears the bearing member 40 such that the bearing surface is kept parallel to the horizontal plane does not eject air.

A holder 40 c is provided to each of the outer portion 40 a and inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40 shown in FIG. 5. A through hole 40 d for an exhaust valve 49 extends through a portion of the bearing member 40 opposite to the holder 40 c in a thickness direction thereof. The exhaust valve 49 is formed into a L-shape including a valve portion 49 a configured to gate the exhaust port 60 and a load detection portion 49 b integrally formed on the valve portion 49 a so as to extend laterally from the valve portion 49 a. The valve portion 49 a penetrates through the through hole 40 d. The exhaust valve 49 is adapted in use to forcibly close the exhaust port 60 a of the air bag 60.

An elastic member 51 is interposed between the bearing member 40 and the load detection portion 49 b of the exhaust valve 49. The elastic member 51 is made of an elastic material such as a rubber so as to shrink upon receiving a load not less than a prescribed value. While the load applied to the elastic member 51 is not greater than the prescribed value, the elastic member 51 keeps the exhaust valve 49 in a position where the exhaust valve 49 opens the exhaust port 60 a. By contrast, when the load applied to the elastic member 51 exceeds the prescribed value, the elastic member 51 shrinks so as to allow the exhaust valve 49 to move to a position where the exhaust valve 49 closes the exhaust port 60. The prescribed value[s] is [a value] slightly less than the load applied to the outer portion 40 a (or inner portion 40 b) in a condition where the user M applies the same load to the outer portion 40 a and inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40. It is noted that the elastic member 51 may be of known configuration and therefore no detailed explanation thereof is deemed necessary.

In the instance shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the air bag 60, exhaust valve 49, and elastic member 51 constitute the tilting device A. In the following explanation, in order to distinguish the air bag 60, exhaust valve 49, and elastic member 51 corresponding to the outer portion 40 a from the air bag 60, exhaust valve 49, and elastic member 51 corresponding to the inner portion 40 b respectively, a suffix “A” is attached to the reference number of each of the air bag 60, exhaust valve 49, and elastic member 51 corresponding to the outer portion 40 a, and a suffix “B” is attached to the reference number of each of the air bag 60, exhaust valve 49, and elastic member 51 corresponding to the inner portion 40 b, as necessary.

Next, an explanation is made to an operation of the exercise assisting device shown in FIG. 5. In an initial condition, the air pump supplies air to each air bag 60 such that the bearing surface of the bearing member 40 is kept parallel to the horizontal plane. At the initial condition, the valve member closes the exhaust port 60 a of the air bag 60 before the user M rests one's foot on the foot support 4. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5A, the pair of air bags 60 bears the bearing member 40 such that the bearing surface is kept parallel to the horizontal plane.

When the user M rests one's foot on the foot support 4, a following operation is performed. For example, when the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 is equal to the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40, the valve members of each of the air bags 60A and 60B open the corresponding exhaust port 60 a at an approximately-same timing. After the air bag 60 ejects air from its inside, the elastic members 51A and 51B start to shrink at an approximately-same timing. Therefore, the exhaust valves 49A and 49B close the exhaust ports 60 a of each of the air bags 60A and 60B open at an approximately-same timing. As a result, the bearing member 40 is not inclined, and the bearing surface is kept parallel to the horizontal plane.

When the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 exceeds the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40, each of the air bags 60A and 60B ejects air from its inside. However, the elastic member 51A shrinks before the elastic member 51B shrinks. That is, the exhaust port 60 a of the air bag 60A is closed prior to closing of the exhaust port 60 a of the air bag 60B. As a result, the air bag 60A acts to keep the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 spaced by a constant distance from the basement 41 (see FIG. 5B). This causes the increase of the load applied to the inner portion 40 b, followed by the elastic member 51B being caused to start shrinking. Therefore, the exhaust port 60 a of the air bag 60B is closed, and the air bag 60B acts to keep the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40 spaced by a constant distance from the basement 41 (see FIG. 5C). While the exhaust ports 60 a of each of the air bags 60A and 60B are closed as described in the above, the air bag 60A having its exhaust port 60 a closed prior to closing of the exhaust port 60 a of the air bag 60B holds a greater volume of the air than the air bag 60B whose exhaust port 60 a is closed subsequent to closing of the exhaust port 60 a of the air bag 60A. As a result, the distance between the basement 41 and the bearing member 40 is made greater towards the outer portion 40 a than at the inner portion 40 b. In short, the bearing member 40 is inclined inward with regard to the foot of the user M.

When the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40 exceeds the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40, each of the air bags 60A and 60B ejects air from its inside. However, the elastic member 51B shrinks before the elastic member 51A shrinks. That is, the exhaust port 60 a of the air bag 60B is closed prior to closing of the exhaust port 60 a of the air bag 60A. As a result, the air bag 60B acts to keep the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40 spaced by a constant distance from the basement 41. This causes the increase of the load applied to the outer portion 40 a, followed by the elastic member 51A being caused to start shrinking. Therefore, the exhaust port 60 a of the air bag 60A is closed, and the air bag 60A acts to keep the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 spaced by a constant distance from the basement 41. While the exhaust ports 60 a of each of the air bags 60A and 60B are closed as described in the above, the air bag 60B having its exhaust port 60 a closed prior to closing of the exhaust port 60 a of the air bag 60A holds a greater volume of the air than the air bag 60A whose exhaust port 60 a is closed subsequent to closing of the exhaust port 60 a of the air bag 60B. As a result, the distance between the basement 41 and the bearing member 40 is made greater towards the inner portion 40 b than at the outer portion 40 a. In short, the bearing member 40 is inclined inward with regard to the foot of the user M.

As apparent from the above, the exercise assisting device shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C is capable of tilting the bearing member 40 so as to reduce the difference between the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 and the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40. Therefore, it is possible to improve a balance (capacity imbalance) between the outer part and the inner part of the muscles of the lower limb. As a result, it is possible to remedy the deformed bones of the lower limb (that is, it is possible to recover the skeletal alignment of the lower limb). Further, the user can enjoy a comfortable passive exercise (training) while being alleviated of the knee pain, which means that even the user suffering from knee pains during one's walking can make the passive exercise. Moreover, it is possible to reduce a production cost because an electric circuit for the load detection unit 5 or the like is made redundant.

Although the bearing member 40 of the exercise assisting device shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C is a one board, for example, the bearing member 40 may be divided into two in its width direction as shown in FIG. 6A. The exercise assisting device shown in FIG. 6A has a basic structure similar to that shown in FIG. 5. Therefore like parts are designated by like reference numerals and dispensed with duplicate explanations.

In the instance shown in FIG. 6A, the bearing member 40 is divided into the outer portion 40 a formed into a rectangular plate and the inner portion 40 b formed into a rectangular plate. The outer portion 40 a and inner portion 40 b are rotatively coupled to the side wall portions 42 provided on the center of the basement 41 in its width direction by use of the tilting axle 43 and the tilting bearing 44, respectively. Accordingly, in the instance shown in FIG. 6A, the outer portion 40 a and inner portion 40 b are separately inclined each other.

In the instance shown in FIG. 6A, the air bag 60, exhaust valve 49, and elastic member 51 constitute the tilting device A.

The aforementioned configuration concerning the division of the bearing member 40 can be applied to the instance shown in FIG. 4 and the first embodiment. In short, the tilting device A may be configured to tilt at least one part of the bearing member 40 so as to reduce the difference between the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 and the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40. The bearing member 40 is not limited to the above mentioned instance, and may be configured to be capable of varying a balance between the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 and the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40.

The aforementioned instances shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 utilize shrinkage of the air bag 60 in order to incline the bearing member 40. Further, another instance may be configured to control the air pump to supply air to the air bag 60 so as to expand the same, thereby inclining the bearing member 40.

In the instance shown in FIG. 6B, the holders 40 c are positioned below the rear surfaces of the outer portion 40 a and inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40 respectively, and are rotatively coupled to the tilting axles 43 together with the outer portion 40 a and inner portion 40 b, respectively. The outer portion 40 a and inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40 respectively are formed with protrusions 40 e used as a valve for the exhaust port 60 a. The elastic member 51 is interposed between the holder 40 c and each of the outer portion 40 a and inner portion 40 b (the elastic member 51 is not shown in FIG. 6B). The elastic member 51 is configured to shrink upon receiving the load greater than a predetermined load such that the protrusion 40 e closes the exhaust port 60 a. The predetermined load is equal to the load applied to the outer portion 40 a (or inner portion 40 b) in a condition where the user M applies the same load to the outer portion 40 a and inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40.

Further, in the instance shown in FIG. 6B, the air bag 60 is interposed between the holder 40 c and the basement 41. Each air bag 60 has an air supply port 60 b connected to the aforementioned air pump. The air pump is configured to supply air to (pressurize) the each air bag 60 such that the bearing surfaces of each of the outer portion 40 a and inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40 are kept parallel to the horizontal plane while the user M keeps applying the loads equally to the outer portion 40 a and inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40.

Next, an explanation is made to an operation of the exercise assisting device shown in FIG. 6B. When the user M rests one's foot on the foot support 4, and when the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 is equal to the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40 (that is, the user has neither bow legs nor knock knees), the elastic members 51A and 51B do not shrink. Therefore, the exhaust ports 60 a of each of air bags 60A and 60B is not closed. In this case, to pressurize by the air pump keeps the bearing surfaces of each of the outer portion 40 a and inner portion 40 b parallel to the horizontal plane.

When the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 exceeds the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40, the elastic member 51A shrinks before the elastic member 51B shrinks. That is, the exhaust port 60 a of the air bag 60A is closed prior to closing of the exhaust port 60 a of the air bag 60B. Therefore, the air bag 60A expands as being supplied with the air from the air pump, thereby lifting the outer portion 40 a. This causes an increase of the load applied to the inner portion 40 b (that is, the load applied to the elastic member 51B), thereby shrinking the elastic member 51B. The shrinkage of the elastic member 51B causes closing of the exhaust port 60 a of the air bag 60B. This causes a decrease of the load applied to the elastic member 51A, thereby opening the exhaust port 60 a of the air bag 60A. In this case, the air bag 60A shrinks as the air bag 60A expands. Thus, the inner portion 40 b is lifted to thereby cause a decrease of the load applied to the inner portion 40 b. As a result, the load applied to the outer portion 40 a increases so as to make closing of the exhaust port 60 a of the air bag 60A as well as opening the exhaust port 60 a of the air bag 60B. Alternate repetition of the aforementioned operations is responsible for inclining each of the outer portion 40 a and the inner portion 40 b such that the load applied to the outer portion 40 a becomes equal to the load applied to the inner portion 40 b. Even when the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40 exceeds the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40, the exercise assisting device operates in a similar manner as described in the above.

As apparent from the above, the exercise assisting device shown in FIG. 6B is capable of tilting the bearing member 40 so as to reduce the difference between the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 and the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40. Therefore, it is possible to improve a balance (capacity imbalance) between the outer part and the inner part of the muscles of the lower limb. As a result, it is possible to remedy the deformation of bones of the lower limb (that is, it is possible to recover the skeletal alignment of the lower limb). Further, the user can enjoy a comfortable passive exercise (training) while being alleviated of the knee pain, which means that even the user suffering from knee pains during one's walking can make the passive exercise. Moreover, it is possible to reduce a production cost because an electric circuit for the load detection unit 5 or the like is made redundant.

The technical feature of the present invention can be applied to the exercise assisting device shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

The exercise assisting device shown in FIG. 7 includes a carrier 30 to be placed on a predetermined position such as a floor. There are a supporter 32 and a handle post 33 provided on the carrier 30. The supporter 32 is provided at its upper end with a seat 9 configured to bear the buttocks of the user M. The handle post 33 has handles 33 a adapted in use to be held with the hand of the user M as necessary. The pair of foot supports 4 is attached to the carrier 30 and between the supporter 32 and the handle post 33. This foot support 4 has the same configuration as the foot support 4 of the first embodiment or the foot support 4 of respective FIGS. 4 to 6. In the exercise assisting device shown in FIG. 7, the pair of foot supports 4 constitutes the support unit 1 together with the seat 9.

The supporter 32 is provided with the drive device 2 configured to reciprocate the seat 9. The drive device 2 is configured to reciprocate the seat 9 which is one part of the support unit 1 by use of a driving source (not shown), thereby displacing the buttocks of the user M with one's feet resting respectively on the foot supports 4 and one's buttocks resting on the seat 9. In short, the drive device 2 is configured to vary the weight acting on the legs of the user M. The drive device 2 displaces the buttocks of the user M, thereby varying a proportion of bearing the user's weight between the seat 9 and the foot supports 4. In this consequence, the drive device 2 varies the user's weight acting on the buttocks, thereby varying the weight acting on each of the feet of the user.

Under the condition that an angle of a knee is kept to a predetermined angle, a load applied to a femoral region of the user M is increased as a proportion of bearing the user's weight by the seat 9 is decreased. This is similar to bending user's own knee during a squat exercise and can trigger muscle contraction of femoral muscles. That is, an oscillation of the seat 9 induces a passive exercise not an active exercise of the user M. According to this passive exercise, the femoral muscles repeat tonus and laxity. Therefore, the user M can mainly exercise for own femoral muscles.

As apparent from the above, the exercise assisting device shown in FIG. 7 is capable of tilting the bearing member 40 so as to reduce the difference between the load applied to the outer portion 40 a of the bearing member 40 and the load applied to the inner portion 40 b of the bearing member 40. Therefore, it is possible to improve a balance (capacity imbalance) between the outer part and the inner part of the muscles of the lower limb even if the user has bow legs or knock knees. As a result, it is possible to remedy the deformed bones of the lower limb (that is, it is possible to recover the skeletal alignment of the lower limb). Further, the user can enjoy a comfortable passive exercise (training) while being alleviated of the knee pain, which means that even the user suffering from knee pains during one's walking can make the passive exercise. 

1. An exercise assisting device comprising: a support unit configured to bear a user's body, said support unit including a pair of foot supports having a bearing member configured to bear the user's left foot and right foot respectively; a drive device configured to drive said support unit to move the user's body so as to vary a load applied to user's lower limb; and a tilting device configured to tilt at least one part of said bearing member so as to reduce a difference between a load applied to an outer portion of said bearing member corresponding to an outer part of user's foot and a load applied to an inner portion of said bearing member corresponding to an inner part of the user's foot.
 2. An exercise assisting device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said tilting device comprises: a load detection unit provided to said foot support so as to detect a load applied to said bearing member; a tilting mechanism unit configured to tilt at least one part of said bearing member inward or outward with regard to the user's foot; and a control unit configured to control said tilting mechanism unit based on the load detected by said load detection unit.
 3. An exercise assisting device as set forth in claim 2, wherein said load detection unit includes two load sensors provided to said outer portion and said inner portion of said bearing member respectively, said control unit being configured to control said tilting mechanism unit so as to reduce a difference between loads respectively detected by said two load sensors.
 4. An exercise assisting device as set forth in claim 2, wherein said load detection unit includes a load sensor provided to either said outer portion or said inner portion of said bearing member, said control unit being configured to make a comparison of a load detected by said load sensor with a predetermined threshold, and determine the difference between the load applied to said outer portion of said bearing member and the load applied to said inner portion of said bearing member based on the resultant comparison. 